ESPN's Clayton: Chargers draft is No. 1

The newest players to the San Diego Chargers,(from left) D.J. Fluker, Manti Te'o and Keenan Allen. The three players were introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon. .
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

The newest players to the San Diego Chargers,(from left) D.J. Fluker, Manti Te'o and Keenan Allen. The three players were introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon. .
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

"It was a nice scene when the San Diego Chargers had their top three choices -- tackle D.J. Fluker, linebacker Manti Te'o and wide receiver Keenan Allen -- standing on a podium holding up their new uniforms," Clayton writes.

Clayton compares Tom Telesco's haul with A.J. Smith's best selections of 2005. "That draft produced Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Once Philip Rivers took over the starting job in 2006, the 2005 class provided enough of a lift to turn the Chargers into a perennial playoff team and a Super Bowl contender."

Here's Clayton's breakdown of the '13 class:

"Fluker should immediately become one of the most powerful right tackles as a rookie. Te'o isn't to be confused with Junior Seau, but his play should make him a fan favorite. In the 3-4, Te'o might not be the all-everything like Seau, but he could be more like Zach Thomas, the former great linebacker of the Miami Dolphins. Takeo Spikes is gone, so starting inside linebacker is Te'o's job to lose. Linebackers are usually favorites for defensive rookie of the year, and it's not out of the question for Te'o to end up as a good candidate. Allen could put this class over the top. He's a big receiver, although he doesn't have Vincent Jackson's deep speed. For a third-round choice, though, the Chargers couldn't go wrong."